Engine-building tends to be a mystery for most of us. We’re baffled by the tricky math that goes with machine work. And sometimes we’re stumped when it’s time to buy parts, not to mention assemble an engine. So what to do? Well, listen up, because it’s time to go back to school—engine-building school, that is. We’re not necessarily going to show you what to do here, but what not to do when building and setting up an engine. Some of these great ideas come from our own past heroic failures and faux pas—and yes, we did learn from them. We also received help from Tom Naegele at D.S.S. Competition Products, Jon Enyeart at Pony Carburetors, and the fine folks at Crane Cams. Thanks, guys!
We hope these tips will prevent you from destroying your engine. We also hope they will make your engine perform as Ford intended or, if your aim is modification, better than Ford envisioned.
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